Appliance Buying Information - Massachusetts & Rhode Island

What is a Dual Fuel Range? - Plus Reviews of Three Top Models

Written by Jeff Allaire | Aug 22, 2022 2:00 PM

 

When you are researching new kitchen ranges, there are many options to consider. If you love to cook, a dual fuel range might be the perfect choice. In this article, we'll go over the details of dual fuel ranges and review three top-selling models starting at $2,598 MSRP. To learn more about gas and electric ranges, check out our range buying guide!

 

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What You Need to Know about Dual Fuel Ranges

Almost any good cook will tell you they love cooking with gas on the stovetop because the burners heat up instantly and provide incredible control and precision. They'll also tell you that when it comes to the oven, electric convection ovens are the way to go. Electric ovens can control temperatures more precisely than gas. Convection cooking results in faster and more even heating throughout the oven. Convection improves multi-rack baking results, browns roasting meats and vegetables beautifully, and is an easy way to take your cooking to the next level. (You can learn more about the types of convection ranges in our article.)

So, what is a dual fuel range? Dual fuel ranges are ranges that use gas to operate the stovetop burners and have an electric convection oven. This configuration gives you the best of both worlds in terms of performance, which is why it is commonly found on professional ranges.

 

Installation

What about installing a dual fuel range? Since dual fuel ranges use both electric and gas, you'll need a natural gas or propane line and a 240 volt electrical outlet. Unlike regular all-gas ranges that run on 120 volts, these ranges require the power of 240 volts for the electric oven. If you lack the 240V circuit, having an electrician install one can cost around $300-500. The cost of running a gas line depends on whether you have an existing natural gas line or propane tank, or if you will be starting from scratch. Installing a gas line is typically at least $300. 

 

Pricing

What about pricing? The old saying "You get what you pay for" holds true when it comes to these ranges. As mentioned, dual fuel is the best of both worlds. Consequently, you'll pay more for one of these ranges than you will for a traditional gas or electric convection range. Dual fuel ranges tend to start at around $2,000 and go up from there. Our most popular models tend to be around $3,000 MSRP. Super-premium models from luxury manufacturers can run $10,000 or more, especially if you go for a wider 36" model.

One alternative is the induction range - an induction stovetop runs on electricity but has the same advantages of gas: you can instantly adjust the heat. Frigidaire makes the cheapest induction ranges on the market, starting at under $2,000. Read more about induction here.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • The power and immediate response time of gas burners
  • The temperature accuracy of electric ovens
  • Better baking and roasting results thanks to convection
  • Other useful high-end features are usually included

 

Cons:

  • More expensive than all-gas or all-electric ranges (with or without convection)

  • Adding a gas line or 240V outlet is an additional cost to consider

 

 

 

30" Dual Fuel Range Reviews

The following models don't have the BTU output to be considered professional ranges, but they have a lot of great features on top of being dual fuel! Click the links below to skip to the review you're interested in:

 

1. The GE Profile P2B935YPFS Freestanding Range - $2,598

One of the least expensive dual fuel ranges that has been a top seller is the GE Profile P2B935YPFS, a 30" free standing self clean dual fuel fingerprint resistant range with storage drawer that is priced at $2,598. This Wi-Fi connected appliance can be controlled via smartphone or tablet, and it syncs with a GE Profile over the range microwave via ChefConnect so that ventilation adjusts based on the stove's burner output. This has three adjustable racks so you can bake more in just one go. The oven comes with True European Convection with GE's Precise Air - the fan can reverse directions, which GE found improves air circulation even further than the typical single-direction fan.

The oven includes a bake-knob control, an infinite heat settings, a removable insert, and it also has a dual element bake. This model offers a 21,000 BTU tri-ring burner - use the inner ring for low-power simmering, the outer ring for frying, and both rings together to bring water to a boil or stir-fry. It also has an integrated reversible cast iron combination grill/griddle that sets up on the large center burner. This center oval burner is  for handling oversized pots, the griddle, and more.

This model is well worth the price and has sleek professional styling, too! The seamless edge-to-edge cooktop is easy to clean, and the continuous grates help you move pots and pans around while giving a professional feel. You can even place the grates in the oven during the self-clean cycle to incinerate drips and dried-up food.

 

GE Profile P2B935YPFS - $2,598

 

 

2. The KitchenAid KSDB900ESS Slide In Range - $3,399

This next option is more expensive, partly because it's a slide-in model with no backguard. This is a hybrid slide-in model with finished sides that doesn't overlap the countertop (read more about slide in vs freestanding ranges here). The KitchenAid KSDB900ESS retails at $3,399 and has a ton of premium features to offer. The stovetop offers four burners from 5,000 to 19,000 BTU, and the oven is on the larger side at 7.1 cubic feet.

Use EasyConvect Conversion to automatically adjust conventional recipes to convection settings, and enjoy the smooth roll of the SatinGlide Max Racks. A steam rack allows you to add moisture to the inside of the oven when needed to get better cooking results. Even-Heat True Convection ensures that your entire oven is heated to the perfect temperature. The AquaLift steam clean feature offers an alternative to the hours-long high-heat self clean (click the link to learn more about the pros and cons of steam clean cycles).

Combined with gorgeous industrial-inspired styling and glass touch controls, this model will look great in your kitchen and be a pleasure to use. The GE Profile model offers a more advanced feature package with the unique burner options and self-clean grates and racks, but this KitchenAid model is a great choice if you're looking for a commercially styled slide-in option with dual fuel.

KitchenAid also makes a downdraft version, model KSDG950ESS, retailing at $3,999. Customer reviews have noted that this downdraft system works better than the systems on models they bought 10 or more years ago, but keep in mind that downdraft isn't as effective as overhead ventilation. Since downdraft ranges are becoming more and more rare, we wouldn't recommend installing a new downdraft system from scratch.

 

Click here to read over 325 real customer reviews of this product!

 

KitchenAid KSDB900ESS - $3,399

 

 

3. The Cafe C2S950P4MW2 Slide In Double Oven Range - $4,298

The Cafe line by GE offers premium appliances in matte finishes with customizable hardware - learn more here! The Cafe C2S950P4MW2 double oven dual fuel range is available in matte white, matte black, or stainless steel with four custom hardware options. The sleek glass touch LED control panel allows you to access a ton of useful features like No Preheat oven modes and more.

The cooktop packs six burners into a 30" width, and an integrated griddle is included for the two center burners. The burners offer from 5,000 BTUs up to 21,000 BTUs, and the heavy-cast edge-to-edge grates have a gorgeous industrial look. 

The upper oven is 2.7 cubic feet and is a traditional still oven while the 4.3 cubic feet lower oven has true convection. GE's True European Convection with Precise Air uses a fan that reverses direction for even better air circulation throughout the lower oven cavity. The upper oven has a heavy-duty roller rack that glides on ball bearings and can be left in the oven for the self clean cycle. Using GE's ChefConnect feature, you can even start your oven remotely using your smartphone or virtual assistant! It can also notify you when a timer is up or when the oven is finished preheating if you're in another room.

Obviously, it's hard to beat this stove in terms of style! It's a great dual fuel range that many customers have been happy with.

 

Cafe C2S950P4MW2 - $4,298

 

 

 

 

We hope this helped you explore the dual fuel range options available to you. There are a lot of great choices from brands like Samsung, Bosch, LG, Frigidaire, and more in addition to KitchenAid and GE Appliances. 

Why are you considering a dual fuel range? Leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!

 

Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in March of 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.